MMWR Vol. 65 / No. SS-3

MMWR Surveillance Summaries Vol. 65, No. SS-3 April 01, 2016

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Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2012 
Deborah L. Christensen, PhD; Jon Baio, EdS; Kim Van Naarden Braun, PhD; et al.
MMWR Surveill Summ 2016;65:1–23

This report describes estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorder 
(ASD) among children aged 8 years. For 2012, the combined estimated 
prevalence of ASD among the 11 ADDM Network sites was 14.6 per 1,000 
(one in 68) children aged 8 years. The intended audience for this report 
includes health care providers, early intervention service providers, 
therapists, school psychologists, educators, researchers, policymakers, and 
program administrators seeking to understand and provide for the needs of 
persons with ASD and their families. These data can be used to help plan 
for service needs, stimulate research into etiology and risk factors, and initiate 
and implement policies that promote optimal outcomes in health care and 
education.